Religion News: Jewish centers target of bomb threats

Thursday

Feb 2, 2017 at 2:01 AM

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WEEK IN RELIGIONJewish community centers around the United States received bomb threats for the third time In January last week. On Jan. 31, more than a dozen community centers in the U.S. and one in Canada were threatened with attacks. Fourteen centers across 10 states, along with the one in Canada, were threatened according JCC Association of North America director David Posner said. According to Posner, who advises centers on security said centers in California, Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, Utah, Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada received the threats. On Jan. 9, 16 centers received telephone threats and then on Jan. 18, 27 centers also received threats of attack, but were found to be hoaxes. “We are concerned about the anti-Semitism behind these threats,” Posner said in a statement.” According to security officials, some of the calls were made using an automated “robocall” system and others were made by individuals. After the Jan. 18 threats, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Justice Department opened up investigations for possible civil rights violations in connection with the threats. No arrests have been made.— More Content Now

SURVEY SAYSAmericans divided on religion and national identityA third of Americans believe being Christian as “very important” for being “truly American,” according to a new Pew Research Center report. The survey also found that 31 percent of Americans believe that being Christian was “not at all important” for being “truly American.” — More Content Now

GOOD BOOK?“Katharine and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk” by Michelle DeRushaTheir revolutionary marriage was arguably one of the most scandalous and intriguing in history. Yet five centuries later, we still know little about Martin and Katharina Luther’s life as husband and wife. Until now. Against all odds, the unlikely union worked, over time blossoming into the most tender of love stories. This unique biography tells the riveting story of two extraordinary people and their extraordinary relationship, offering refreshing insights into Christian history and illuminating the Luthers’ profound impact on the institution of marriage, the effects of which still reverberate today. By the time they turn the last page, readers will have a deeper understanding of Luther as a husband and father and will come to love and admire Katharina, a woman who, in spite of her pivotal role, has been largely forgotten by history.— Baker Books

THE WORDMahdi: Pronounced “MAAH-dee.” The “guided one” many Muslims believe will appear at the end of times to restore righteousness for a short period before the end of the world.— ReligionStylebook.com